Introducing Simon Brette Unveils the Chronomètre Artisans in Stainless Steel

The independent watchmaker Simon Brette presents the Chronomètre Artisans in its first-ever stainless steel execution. This is not merely a new case material or dial color; it is a single timepiece that offers a variety of visual expressions. With a focus on every detail, as is Simon Brette’s signature, even the movement components have been reimagined to harmonize with the new design.

Stainless steel asserts itself as the structural material for the case, hands, and bridges, enhanced by meticulous finishing and a captivating interplay of interferential colors. Featuring a green-to-violet iridescent ALD coating inspired by auroral hues, a hand-engraved “Aurora Waves” dial sculpted with countless undulating concave forms, integrated photoluminescence for nighttime legibility, and enhanced water resistance thanks to a redesigned crown, this Steel Edition continuously plays with light and reinvents its presence on the wrist.

While previous editions were crafted in zirconium (and titanium for the prototype) and red gold, the independent watchmaker now opts for a sporty stainless steel execution. The watch maintains the same dimensions as its predecessor, with a 39 mm diameter and 10.5 mm height, blending brushed and polished surfaces. A screwed-down bezel and case back provide 30 meters of water resistance.

A distinctive hallmark of the brand, a dovetail joint decorative element, adorns the side of the case at 9 o’clock and is treated with luminous coating for added distinction.

At the heart of the Chronomètre Artisans Stainless Steel edition, an advanced ALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) coating transforms the white gold dial and key components—including gold chatons, the minute track, and the stainless steel seconds hand—into a spectrum of interference colors.

The asymmetrical dial strikes a perfect balance between tradition and modernity. Partially open, it reveals the intricate gear train and kinetic components of the movement.

Entirely hand-decorated by artist Yasmina Anti, the dial, known as “Aurora Waves”, forms the expressive soul of this edition. Thousands of concave engraving gestures sculpt the surface into successive, dynamic, and shimmering waves. The ALD coating produces an aurora-like play of light, shifting from green to violet, with the depth of recesses and reliefs accentuating the dial’s three-dimensional structure and the mastery of artisanal craftsmanship.

Super-LumiNova enhances the hour markers, while HyCeram, a ceramic infused with phosphorescent pigments, violet by day and green by night—has been applied to the hands and the brand’s signature “butterfly” key, shaped like a dovetail. In low-light conditions, the dial emits a neon-green glow, evoking the boreal essence of the design and offering a new reading of the timepiece and its components.

Powering the Chronomètre Artisans is the same manual-winding movement as in previous editions but with significant finishing enhancements. While earlier versions featured brass plates, this new movement features a PVD coated stainless steel bridges and main plate, which beautifully contrast with the silver twin barrels. The movement delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. The wheels are made of white gold. The click for winding the two mainspring barrels has a purple ALD-coated  

The SBCA caliber, with an oversized balance wheel with variable inertia adjustable weights, oscillating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz). The movement is a testament to artisanal watchmaking, showcasing exceptional hand-applied finishing techniques. 

The watch is offered with three strap options: rubber, calfskin, and a newly designed stainless steel bracelet. The bracelet, set to debut in April 2026, comprises 446 components, including 146 concave screws inspired by the movement design, polished and satin-finished links, easy custom sizing, comfort extension, and a double-blade clasp.

The Chronomètre Artisans Steel Edition is a limited run of just 60 pieces, all of which have sold out. The price is CHF 81,000, equivalent to approximately AED 330,000.

For more information, visit Simon Brette official website.